Hard cider startup blossoms right on time

Blue Bee’s first cider on tap is its Aragon 1904, described as a light, fruity blend. (Photos by Lena Price)

More than six months after crushing her first apple, Courtney Mailey this weekend opened the doors to Richmond’s only cidery.

Mailey said the April 20 launch was on par with what she expected when she started developing Blue Bee Cider last year.

Courtney Mailey

“Once you actually get in there and start doing it, you realize there are thousands of little details you have to tinker with and get perfect,” Mailey said. “We fell behind on a few things and got ahead on others, but it all worked out.”

The cidery’s tasting room will operate from noon to 6 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Mailey said she plans to expand or reduce the hours depending on demand.

Customers will be able to buy cider by the glass, bottle and case in the tasting room. A glass will cost $6, 750 mL bottles will run $15.50, and 500 mL bottles will be $10.25.

Mailey said Blue Bee’s Aragon 1904, a light, fruity blend, will be on tap first. Blue Bee worked with Catoctin Creek, a Northern Virginia distillery, to develop a higher-alcohol cider variety that’s blended with brandy. That batch is still aging but will be available this year.

Mailey sold a few batches of nonalcoholic apple juice in the fall, but she said the product wasn’t cost-effective to make.

Mailey started renovating the 4,800-square-foot space last June and bought her first batch of apples in late August. She spent six months crushing apples, fermenting the juice and bottling the cider.

She said it took some time to get used to the physical demands of the business.

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Congrats to Courtney and crew! Hear about her inspiring adventure on Tuesday May 7th @6pm at the Visual Arts Center. Courtney is one of eight creatives speaking at the 8th talk20 event brought to you by c3Richmond.org. The event is free. Please register on line.